“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” and “Nightbitch” filmmaker Mariel Heller will write and direct the live-action adaptation of “FernGully,” which is in development at Amazon MGM Studios.
Heller will also be collaborating with Leah Holzer to produce a project based on the beloved animation classic “FernGully: The Last Rainforest” under her “Defiant By Nature” banner. The film is produced by Stacey Sher through Shiny Penny. Susan Ursitti Sheinberg, John Sheinberg, Matt Feige (via Sheinberg Feige Organization (SFO Entertainment)). Moonri Sinha will serve as executive producer.
The 1992 animated classic “FernGully” follows the magical denizens of a rainforest as they fight to protect their homeland, threatened by logging and a polluting and destructive force called the Hexus. The film featured an all-star voice cast including Robin Williams, Tim Curry, Christian Slater, and Samantha Mathis, as well as songs by Elton John and Jimmy Buffet.
Shout! Factory continues to distribute the original FernGully films. The deal with Amazon MGM Studios was negotiated by Verve Talent and Fischbach, Perlstein, Lieberman & Almond LLP. Heller and Defiant By Nature are represented by Erin Einstein of UTA, PJ Shapiro, Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Colleand and 42West.
Even more in the future…
